The lives of countless Americans have been touched by Claiborne Pell, though they may not realize it. Because of his efforts and the Pell Grant, the doors of college — and with it, opportunity — have been opened to 54 million Americans. A Senator from Rhode Island, he was one of our nation's most important voices in foreign policy for more than 30 years and a leader in the fight to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. He was a mentor to me in many ways, and I will always be grateful for his counsel. His legacy — as a family man, as a statesman, as an innovator — will live on for generations to come.
—Joseph Biden
Biden is the Vice President of the United States